Great Bible movies: 6 films to watch during the Easter season

Thursday

Apr 10, 2014 at 12:01 AMApr 10, 2014 at 9:50 AM

Compiled by Andrea Honaker

With Easter just around the corner, Christians are reflecting on Jesus’ death and resurrection and other Biblical stories. Over the years, many of these passages have been brought to life on the big screen, with “Noah” and “Son of God” currently in theaters. There’s quite a catalogue of Hollywood faith-based films for movie-lovers’ to watch on the small screen now as well.

For those looking for some new interpretations or reminders of the famous stories, here are six great Bible movies to watch during the Easter season. You can find some of these on TV in the coming week or at your local video store.

The Ten Commandments (1956) Story: The life of Moses, an Egyptian prince, is told from his birth, to his divine mission to free the Hebrew people, to his death. Cast: Charlton Heston as Moses, Yul Brynner as Ramses, Anne Baxter as Nefretiri Director: Cecil B. DeMille Fun fact: “The Ten Commandments” is the highest-grossing biblical film ever made, raking in $65.5 million ($1.1 billion today).

Ben-Hur (1959) Story: Jewish prince Judah Beh-Hur fights for his freedom after being betrayed and enslaved. He crosses paths with Jesus several times. Cast: Charlton Heston as Ben-Hur, Jack Hawkins as Quintus Arrius, Haya Harareet as Esther, Stephen Boyd as Messala Director: William Wyler Fun fact: “Ben-Hur” won 11 Oscars in 1960, including best picture, director, actor and supporting actor.

The Robe (1953) Story: Marcellus, a Roman soldier in charge of Christ’s crucifixion, acquires Jesus’ robe and journeys to discover who this man was. Cast: Richard Burton as Marcellus Gallio, Jean Simmons as Diana, Victor Mature as Demetrius, Michael Rennie as Peter Director: Henry Koster Fun fact: “The Robe” first aired on American TV on Easter weekend in 1968. ABC started it at 7 p.m. to encourage family watching and took only one commercial break.

The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) Story: Jesus’ life is recounted from the nativity scene to his resurrection. Cast: Max Von Sydow as Jesus, Dorothy McGuire as Mary, Robert Loggia as Joseph, Charlton Heston as John the Baptist Director: George Stevens Fun fact: Telly Savalas shaved his head to play Pontius Pilate in the film, and it stuck. He continued to do so for the rest of his life.

The Prince of Egypt (1998) Story: This animated film tells the story of brothers Moses and Ramses. Voices: Val Kilmer as Moses/God, Ralph Fiennes as Rameses, Michelle Pfeiffer as Tzipporah Director: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells Fun fact: The filmmakers met with about 600 religious experts to ensure the highest possible accuracy.

The Passion of the Christ (2004) Story: This movie is about the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life. Cast: Jim Caviezel as Jesus, Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalen, Maia Morgenstern as Mary Director: Mel Gibson Fun fact: Caviezel’s shoulder was separated when the 150-pound cross fell on it, and this shot was used in the film.